Jeff Sweeney
Superintendent Fillmore Unified School District

In January, the Governor proposed a $4.8 billion funding cut to education that would have a devastating impact on our school district. In Fillmore, the estimated loss in funding for 2008-09 is nearly $900,000. In addition to this loss due to the Governor’s proposal, an additional $700,000 in on-going costs must be budgeted into the 2008-09 school year budget. The reduction in funds from the state in addition to the on-going costs means that the Fillmore Unified School District must reduce our overall 2007-08 school year budget by $1.6 million for the new school year, 2008-09. In response to this information, the District began immediately containing costs (reduction in office supplies, elimination of conferences, etc.) and developing a potential budget reduction list in January. Our Board has been meeting since February to review potential cuts in preparation for approving a final budget for the 2008-09 school year in June. Be assured that we will do all we can to preserve vital programs and minimize employee layoffs as we develop next year’s budget.

Educational Budget Crisis
On March 4, our Board of Trustees adopted a resolution in opposition to the Governor's proposed cuts, which would be the largest in the history of education in California. Every parent, student and staff member can have a voice in the fight to protect public education in California. I encourage all of you to take a moment and write to our elected officials in Sacramento to voice your concern about the budget crisis and the effect it will have on our children's futures. The names of our elected officials are: Senate-George Runner, 5097 State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814, phone 916-651-4017, fax 916-445-4662; Senate-Tom McClintock, 3070 State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814, phone 916-651-4019, fax 916-324-7544; Assembly Audra Strickland, 4208 State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 94249, phone 916-319-2037, fax 916-319-2137.
I want our employees, parents and community to know that protecting students and staff from the harm the proposed Governor’s budget proposes is our top priority. However, such severe cuts to our funding will necessitate the loss of some services. We have already had to cut some summer school offerings. In addition to this item, the Board has been studying a variety of potential budget reductions. Some areas the Board is considering include: Eliminating in-town bus service; Reducing positions and utilizing their funding sources to provide more service; and Reducing the budget needed to replace aging technology equipment.
We want to keep moving in the positive direction that we have begun together these past two years. Board members, leaders, teachers, support staff, parents, and moreover the entire community have all worked especially hard to make Fillmore Unified a district that focuses on student achievement, providing a safe environment, and meeting the unique needs of all our students.

Over 750 students from across California and other states including Texas and Arizona gathered this weekend to compete in the Migrant Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament at Ventura College. There were 66 teams entered in the competition. The event was hosted by the Ventura College Extended Opportunity Programs and Services Department along with the Ventura County Office of Education.

The event is designed to challenge and motivate students and help them see the value of education.

Fillmore Unified School District had a total of 51 students participating from San Cayetano, Sespe, Mountain Vista, Piru and Fillmore Middle School.

The Piru speech team was coached by Piru Elementary 5th grade teachers Claudia Cornejo and Delia Silva. The Sespe speech team was coached by teachers Mary Allyn Garcia and Beverly Garnica. The San Cayetano speech team was coached by teachers Lisa Fluke and Erika Henderson. The Mountain Vista speech team was coached by Jennifer Weir and Raina Arellano and the Fillmore Middle School speech team was coached by teacher Maria Meza.

Saturday night more than 1,000 excited children and adults gathered together during the tournament’s award ceremony in the college’s Athletic Event Center to see how each team did during the day’s competition. By the end of the ceremony Piru and Sespe Elementary students had a lot to smile about. Piru took home 4 Migrant Speech awards!

Luis Cruz scored 2nd place in 5th grade prepared speech, Andres Luna scored 3rd place in 5th grade prepared speech, Daniela Garcia scored 1st place in 5th grade extemporaneous speech, and Claudia Moreno scored 3rd place 5th grade extemporaneous speech.

Sespe School took home two top awards. Steven Rodriquez scored 1st place in the 5th grade prepared speech and 2nd place in the 5th grade extemporaneous speech.
Congratulations to all!

Everyone who participated walked away with a participant trophy and a lot to be proud of. We can’t wait until next year.

Fillmore Middle School Gym
Thursday, May 15, 2008 6pm to 7pm

Presented by Ventura County Probation Agency
Probation Officer TONY MACHUCA

What is a GANG?

WHY do children join gangs?

How can YOU help prevent your child from joining a gang?

Parents, come find out the answers to these questions & more!

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2008

6:00 P.M. - SPECIAL MEETING - BUDGET STUDY SESSION
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA

The public may review or request a copy of support materials provided to the Board Members where the word materials appears.

6:00 p.m.

I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

II. ROLL CALL

III. CLARIFICATION OF AGENDA AND TIME ALLOCATIONS FOR DISCUSSION ITEMS

IV. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NONAGENDA ITEMS, PETITIONS
This is the time and place to address the school board. State law prohibits the board from acting on issues not included on the agenda; however, requests may be made for discussion of specific topics at subsequent meetings.

V. ACTION ITEMS
a. Approve Resolution Number 07-08-15 Reduction Classified Positions/Lay-off of Classified Personnel: (Materials will be provided)
• Bus Driver/Grounds
• HVAC Technician
• Special Education Instructional Assistant

VI. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION
b. Budget Update

VII. FUTURE MEETINGS
May 20 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room
June 3 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room
June 17 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting - Board Room

VIII. CLOSING COMMENTS AND AGENDA BUILDING

IX. ADJOURNMENT

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Superintendent's Office at (805) 524-6038. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the district to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. [In accordance with Government Code 54961 and Board Bylaw 9320(a).]

kellsie McLain

On May 1, 2008 The National Society of High School Scholars today announced that Fillmore High School student Kellsie McLain from Fillmore Ca., has been selected for membership. The Society recognizes top scholars and invites only those students who have achieved superior academic excellence. The announcement was made by NSHSS Founder and Chairman Claes Nobel, a senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prize.
“On behalf of NSHSS, I am honored to recognize the hard work, sacrifice and commitment that Kellsie has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academics excellence, said Mr. Nobel. “Kellsie is now a member of a unique community of scholars – a community that represents our very best hope for the future.”
“Our vision is to build a dynamic international organization that connects members with meaningful content, resources, and opportunities,” stated NSHSS President James Lewis. “We aim to help students like Kellsie to help Kellsie build on their academic successes and enhance the skills and desires to have a positive impact on the global community.”
Membership in NSHSS entitles qualified students to enjoy a wide variety of benefits, including scholarship opportunities, academic competitions, free events, member-only resources, publications, participations in programs offered by educational partners, online forums, personalized recognition items, and publicity honors.
Formed in 2002, The National Society of High School Scholars recognizes academic excellence at the high school level and encourages members of the organization to apply their unique talents, vision, and potential for the betterment of themselves and the world. Currently there are more than 400,000 Society members in 130 countries. NSHSS provides scholarship opportunities for deserving young people.
For more information about NSHSS visit www.nshss.org.

The students of Priscilla Anderson's third grade class performed a musical "Jack in the Beanstalk" written by Ron Fink & John Heath of Camarillo at Mountain Vista Elementary to great applause on Friday evening. Friends and family of the twenty students enjoyed an evening with Jack, his mother, shepherds, farmers, a servant, a cook, a goose, a giant, story-tellers, and a living beanstalk. All the students in the class had their own parts, comprised of ten songs that had the kids performing solos, duets, trios, and a chorus. This was the first musical Mrs. Anderson has put together in which she did a terrific job. The students were involved in set-making, gathering costumes, and making props. Word spread around the school quick and they were asked to perform for many other classrooms as well.

Conway Spitler

This week I was fortunate to meet with a group of students at the WASC committee meeting. First of all WASC is the group that gives accreditation to the public schools. Every one at the high school is involved in meetings to show what the high school is doing, has been doing and plans to do in the future.
The group of students led by Miss Wilber, in my opinion, did a super "job" of discussing student teacher relationships. There were high marks and there were low marks with explanations as to why. This was done in a very professional manner and one made me proud to be a part of the committee.
Discussion included: comments on students and teacher relationships, suggested improvements in programs and activities on the campus. Other items included: Use of the library, more after school help, expectations for students is too low, little family support, and many other items.
The campus was discussed, career day was discussed. reading the bulletin, a staff which you can trust, teachers cannot do it all, more class offerings, new clubs, school spirit is not very high, don't mow the lawns during class time, campus could be a lot more cleaner.
These young people were certainly leaders in the facts taken into account and recommended, taken into account the present and future of the school. I, for one, salute their professional attitude and concern for the future.

The Alumni "Flashbacks" were sent out last Friday, so by the time you read this, you should have your copy in your hot little hand. If not, let the alumni office know at 524-0416. 960 copies were labeled, stamped and stuffed in envelopes by the hard working crew of Joyce Basolo, Margaret Haskell, Jayne Johnson, Maxine Merry, Ellyn Mosbarger, Joleen Stethem and Em Wendell, and it took them only one and a half hours, one pot of coffee and half a dozen donuts. Good work, people. Kathleen Penrod McCreary did another great job of putting the information together that was sent in by many different people. There are letters from alumni members about many different things, reminiscences from Marion Reed, class of '42 about the Buckhorn School Rhythm Band and from Doug Gibby, class of '69, about the move from Mountain View School to San Cayateno School in 1957, articles on the alumni members who were honored as Citizens of the Year, the Herrera Family who make up the musical group, Los Hermanos Herrera, and a picture and articles about the 1957 Fillmore High Boxing Team and tournament. The Reunion Page lists all the reunions that are being held this year. Classes of 1938, 1948, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1988 and 1998 are all holding reunions in May, on June 13 and 14, and in August. The scholarship recipients for the alumni scholarships and for the John and Nit Lemley scholarships are announced, and a reservation form for the alumni dinner is included. Please let the alumni office know if you have any comments or suggestions about this issue or future issues of the "Flashbacks".
The next Alumni Board meeting will be held on Monday, May 19, at the home of Mark Ortega, and the main topics of discussion will be the alumni dinner to be held Saturday, June 14 at the City Park, beginning at 4:00 p.m., with dinner at 6:00 p.m. sharp. Much work has to be done in preparing for this event, and volunteers are needed to help out on Friday and Saturday, June 13 and 14. We had lots of great help last year, and we hope to have those same people to help this year.

More than 400 students have been named to the 2007 fall semester Dean’s Honor List at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. CLU students qualify for the Dean’s List by maintaining a 3.5 grade point average in their academic subjects.
California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks with graduate centers in Oxnard and Woodland Hills. Founded in 1959, the University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.It is also authorized by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to offer a variety of credentials.
Serving more than 2,100 undergraduates and 1,000 graduate students, the selective liberal arts and science institution offers 36 majors and 28 minors along with professional preparation programs in specified fields of study. Master’s degree programs are offered in education, psychology, computer science, business administration, and public policy and administration. Doctorial programs in educational leadership and higher education leadership are offered through the School of Education. Members of the CLU student body come from across the nation and around the world and represent a diversity of faiths and cultures. For more information, visit www.callutheran.edu or call the University at 805-493-3151.
The following local students were honored, Sarah Adams of Fillmore, Janyne Piche of Piru.

VENTURA -- The Ventura College 78th Annual Commencement Ceremony will be held at the Athletic Event Center on the Ventura College Campus on Wednesday, May 14. Ventura College’s graduation will be held on the same day as Oxnard College, and Moorpark College’s will be held on May 15. More than 1,162 students have earned 1,369 degrees and certificates and so are eligible to be recognized. The day’s events will include the traditional graduation breakfast, the processional ceremony and a reception for the graduates and their families. Two sign-language interpreters will be utilized during the graduation ceremony, and an interpreter will be available upon request for the other events. The Commencement will be closed captioned and webcast live at http://www.venturacollege.edu/departments/student_services/student_activ....
The annual graduation breakfast will start serving at 9:00 a.m. in the main dining room in the Campus Center. The breakfast is cosponsored by the Ventura College Foundation and the Associated Students of Ventura College.
Commencement begins at 1:30 p.m. Dr. Robin Calote, Ventura College President, will address the group. The Chair of the Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees Dr. Larry Miller, Vice Chair Robert O. Huber, trustees Stephen P. Blum, Cheryl Heitmann and Arturo D. Hernández, the Chancellor of the Ventura Community College District, Dr. James M. Meznek, the Academic Senate President Kathryn Schoenrock, the Classified Senate President Barbara Cogert, and Ms. Juliana Hernández, the outgoing president of the Associated Students of Ventura College, will make brief remarks as well. Four faculty and staff members will announce the graduates.
The Ventura College President’s Office is hosting the post-ceremony reception for the graduates, their family, faculty and staff on the lawn behind Guthrie Hall, next to Central Campus Way, immediately after the ceremony.
For additional information, contact Alisa Sparkia Moore, Ventura College Public Information Officer, (805) 654-6462 or asmoore@vcccd.edu.

Fillmore High School has received the released 10th grade CAHSEE results (California High School Exit Exam) for the test which was administered in March to all 10th graders in California.

This year’s 10th grade class set new records at Fillmore HS on their first attempt at passing CAHSEE:

80% passed English Language Arts

75% passed Math

2 students had perfect scores in BOTH areas - Andres Casas and Anthony Chavez earned a perfect 450 score in BOTH math and English Language Arts.

California students have six opportunities during high school to pass both sections of the Exit Exam: one opportunity during 10th grade, two test opportunities during 11th grade, and three opportunities during 12th grade. Students who are having difficulty passing the one or both parts of the exam are placed in CAHSEE classes during their school day for support and intensive intervention to build skills in both/either areas.

In accordance with California state law, senior students who have not passed both sections by graduation are awarded a Certificate of Completion instead of a diploma, but they are still awarded three more opportunities for two more years after graduation to pass the exam. Every year adult students come back to Fillmore High School to take advantage of the opportunity to pass the test and claim their diploma.

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2008

5:00 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION
6:00 P.M. - REGULAR MEETING
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA

The public may review or request a copy of support materials provided to the Board Members where the word materials appears.

5:00 p.m.

I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

II. ROLL CALL

III. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NONAGENDA ITEMS, PETITIONS
This is the time and place to address the Board. State law prohibits the Board from acting on issues not included on the agenda; however, requests may be made for discussion of specific topics at subsequent meetings.

IV. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. to consider matters appropriate for Closed Session in accordance with Government Code Sections 3549.1, 54956.7 through 54957.7 and Education Code Section 35146. If the Board does not complete Closed Session discussions at this time, the Board may adjourn to Closed Session at the end of the regular meeting.
1. DISCLOSURE OF ITEM(S) TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION
• Labor/Negotiations (Government Code 54957.6)
o Update; Direction to District Negotiators (Jeff Sweeney, Evalene Townend, Mike Bush) for negotiations with the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA), the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Confidential Employees, and District Administration.
• Personnel Matters (Government Code 54957)
o Public Employee Discipline/ Dismissal/Release
Temporary Non–renewal: PSL # 1275
Temporary Non-renewal: PSL# 1218
• Public Employee Performance Evaluation: Superintendent (The Board and Superintendent meet periodically to provide feedback to one another concerning the achievement of goals.)

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Superintendent's Office at (805) 524-6038. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the district to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. [In accordance with Government Code 54961 and Board Bylaw 9320(a).]
6:00 p.m.

V. RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION
1. Any Action From Closed Session

VI. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

VII. CLARIFICATION OF AGENDA AND TIME ALLOCATIONS FOR DISCUSSION ITEMS

VIII. MAKING A DIFFERENCE
• Fillmore High School Percussion Ensemble
• Mary Ecklund

IX. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NONAGENDA ITEMS, PETITIONS
This is the time and place to address the school board. State law prohibits the board from acting on issues not included on the agenda; however, requests may be made for discussion of specific topics at subsequent meetings.

X. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

6:15 p.m.

XI. STANDING REPORTS
• 10 minutes Student Representative’s Report
• 10 minutes Board Member’s Reports
• 10 minutes Superintendent’s Report

6:45 p.m.

XII. ACTION - CONSENT AGENDA (Materials: Corresponding to numbers a-c)
Items on the Consent Agenda are considered routine and will be enacted by a single motion. None of the items will be discussed unless a Board Member or member of the audience requests discussion.
a. Approve Minutes:
• Special Meeting Held April 9, 2008
• Regular Meeting Held April 15, 2008
• Special Meeting Held April 23, 2008
b. Approve Personnel Order 07-08-17
c. Accept Gifts

XIII. ACTION ITEMS
d. Approval of 2008/2012 Ventura County Plan for Career and Technical Education
Course Sequencing in Fulfillment of the Requirements of AB2448 and Education Code 52302 (Materials previously provided 3/18/08 Public Hearing)

e. Approval of Carl D. Perkins Grant (Materials)

f. Approve Revision of Application/Permit For Use of Facilities Board Policy 1330E (Materials)

g. Approve 2008/2009 Contract for ESCAPE Financial and Payroll/Personnel with VCOE (Materials)

h. Approval of 2008/2009 Community-Based English Tutoring Program Application (Materials)

i. Approval of Textbooks (Materials)
• “Nuevas Vistas” Advanced Spanish Curso I - Publisher: Holt Rinehart Winston
• “California Science” – Publisher: MacMillian/McGraw-Hill
• “Focus on Earth Science”, “Focus on Life Science”, “Focus on Physical
Science” – Publisher: Glencoe/McGraw- Hill

j. Adoption of Resolution Number 07-08-14 of The Fillmore Unified School District Ordering A Regular Governing Board Member Election, Ordering Consolidation With Other Elections, And Constituting “Specification of the Election Order” To Be Held on November 4, 2006 (Materials)

7:15 p.m.

XIV. INFORMATION
k.. 5 minutes Textbook Display (Materials)
The District Curriculum committee has recommended for approval the following textbooks. They will be on display for thirty days prior to being recommended for adoption by the Board of Education.
• “Algebra Readiness” – Publisher: McDougall Littell
l. 30 minutes Budget Update
m. 10 minutes Facilities Update (Stadium, Rio Vista)
n. 10 minutes Old Business

8:15 p.m.

XV. FUTURE MEETINGS
May 14 6:00 p.m. Special Meeting – Budget Study Session – Board Room
May 20 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room
June 3 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room
June 17 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room

XVI. CLOSING COMMENTS AND AGENDA BUILDING

8:30 p.m.

XVII. ADJOURNMENT

Fillmore Unified School District is pleased to announce that Jan Marholin, Principal of San Cayetano, has been chosen Education Advocate of the Year from Ventura County by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). She will be one of seven outstanding women of Ventura County receiving a BRAVO Award at the Moorpark Country Club on Friday May 16, 2008. She was nominated by Assemblywoman Audra Strickland’s office. The website address is: www.nawbovc.org/bravoawards.aspx. Congratulations Jan!

The Fillmore High Alumni Association and the Alumni Scholarship Foundation have announced the recipients of their 2008 scholarships to nine outstanding members of the senior class of Fillmore High School.

The recipients of the John and Nit Lemley Scholarship, which consists of two $3500 four year renewable scholarships, including a lap top computer, are Kassaundra Sandoval and Laura Orozco. Kassaundra and Laura will both attend U. C. San Diego, Kassaundra majoring in Biology and Laura in Civil Engineering.

The Dulcie Arnold $1000 scholarship was awarded to Andy Klittich, who will study Environmental Horticulture at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

The Carl and Helen Siechert $1000 scholarship was awarded to Ashley Grande who will attend either U.C.L.A. or U.C. San Diego and major in Environmental Studies.

Christina Amezcua is also enrolled at U.C. San Diego and will major in Biology and minor in Sports Medicine. She received the American Legion $1000 scholarship.

Briana Rojo received the $1000 Masonic Temple Scholarship and will attend San Francisco State to enter the field of Nursing.

Julio Cesar Chavez was awarded the $750 Wm. Brisby Science Scholarship and will attend U.C. Berkeley to major in Biology.

Mariana Barajas received the Vernon and Arlene Nelson Scholarship in the amount of $750, and will attend U.C.L.A. and major in Sports Medicine.

Angelina Serna received the Stella Harthorn $750 scholarship and will attend U. C. Berkeley and major in Pre-Med.

Thursday, May 15th at 6pm, there will be a parent meeting in the Fillmore Middle School gym. Deputy Probation Officer, Tony Machuca will be discussing “Gang Violence Prevention.” This week, Officer Machuca will be talking with the students about “Gang Violence Prevention.”

The AVID program is returning to Fillmore Middle School for the first time in nearly ten years. AVID is an acronym for, “Advancement Via Individual Determination.” This program is designed to push college bound students to attend a 4-year university immediately after high school graduation. The program targets students in the academic middle who have a desire to attend college and the willingness to work hard. Often AVID students are the first in their family to attend college and many are from low-income households, but this is not a requirement for the program. AVID is presently operating in 3,500 schools in 45 states and 15 countries.
The program has been very successful at Fillmore High School, where Erin Moriarty and Paul Fitzgerald teach the elective courses. In the fall, Fillmore Middle School will once again offer the program to students. Scott Carroll and Heather Atwood are the AVID coordinators for the jump-started middle school program. Around 100 students will be enrolled in the program for the fall quarter in August. Middle School students in the program will be enrolled in honors level classes to prepare them for the rigorous course load at FHS and eventually at the university level.
The 7th and 8th grade AVID students at FMS have already been selected for the fall quarter. Recruitment for next year’s 6th grade AVID students will begin in the next couple weeks at all four elementary schools in the Fillmore Unified School District. The process for selection includes presentations to AVID candidates, student applications, and finally an interview by the AVID coordinators at FMS. The FMS AVID program is seeking business partners throughout the community who wish to participate in the successful program. Interested businesses or sponsors are urged to contact one of the site coordinators at Fillmore Middle School at 524-6070.

Congratulations to Margaret Anna Jolley of Fillmore for making the Dean’s Honor List at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Jolley’s major is in Biological Sciences. Undergraduate students at the University achieving excellence in their academic work during the fall quarter 2007 have been selected for the list.
This honor, which is noted on their permanent records, is earned by students who have a attained the qualifying grade point average of 3.75 (A-Minus) on a program of 12 or more graded units in the College of Letters and Science, or 3.50 in the College of Engineering.